Located in the Hérault, north-west of Béziers, between Minervois and Faugères, the Saint Chinian appellation produces red and rosé wines on hills that reach an altitude of 100 or 200 metres. The vines face the sea and are planted on the slopes of the Montagne Noire and Faugères, that consist of mostly schist in the northern part, and limestone gravel in the south. The red wines from the schist area are darker and denser than those produced on clay-limestone soil. The former also tend to have stronger bouquets, with notes of roasted coffee or cocoa; on the palate they are less acidic and evolve more quickly. They present a remarkable velvety texture after two to five years. Wines from the clay-limestone area are characterized by notes of fresh fruit, with hint of floral aromas (violets) which evolves into bay and spices. On the palate, they are more tannic, full-bodied and rounded. The best cuvées will keep for a good ten years.